States » NorthPosted at: Oct 28 2026 6:52PM


SBI Foundation and IIT Kanpur drive grassroots innovation with ₹2.64 Crore support to 30 startups under SBIF LEAP

Kanpur, Oct 28 (UNI) The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with SBI Foundation, showcased the progress and impact of 30 innovation-driven startups at the SBIF LEAP: Innovators for Bharat Demo Day and Investor Connect, held at the IIT Kanpur Noida Campus recently.
Supported by SBI Foundation, the CSR entity of the State Bank of India, and implemented by SIIC, IIT Kanpur, the programme has extended ₹2.64 crore in milestone-linked grant support to startups across Agritech, Cleantech and Healthcare.
The initiative combines financial assistance, structured incubation, mentorship and industry linkages to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative solutions.
The Demo Day brought together startup founders, investors, industry representatives and ecosystem stakeholders for product showcases, investor interactions and opportunities for strategic collaboration.
The 30 participating startups have demonstrated significant progress in addressing challenges across livelihoods, environmental sustainability and healthcare.
According to the programme's impact assessment, the startups have reached 8,000 farmers, benefited 960 women and generated 195 direct jobs. Their innovations have contributed to avoiding 2,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, converting 3,000 tonnes of agricultural waste into clean biomass fuel and protecting 800 acres of farmland from stubble burning.
In healthcare, participating startups have screened, tested or served 4,000 individuals. The cohort has also recorded 8 patents filed or granted, while seven ventures are led by women founders or CEOs.
These outcomes reflect the growing potential of technology-led entrepreneurship to deliver tangible economic, environmental and social impact.
The programme supports 20 Agritech, five Cleantech and five Healthcare startups through milestone-linked grants, dedicated mentorship, capacity-building initiatives and market and investor connections.
Under the funding framework, 24 early-stage startups have received ₹8 lakh each, while six growth-stage ventures have received ₹12 lakh each, amounting to ₹2.64 crore in grant support.
The cohort also demonstrates encouraging commercial progress, with nine startups scaling through revenue, customers or paid pilots; 10 progressing through partner pilots and regulatory milestones; and 11 validating prototypes for field deployment.
This structured approach helps startups bridge the gap between technological development, market validation and commercial growth. The Demo Day featured an exhibition showcasing innovations from all 30 participating startups.
Pratyush Mehrotra, President & COO, SBI Foundation, accompanied by investors and the SIIC, IIT Kanpur team, visited each stall to interact with the founders, understand their progress and assess the potential of their solutions.
Recognising the critical role of investment in accelerating startup growth, the event also facilitated focused one-to-one pitching sessions connecting eight startups with representatives from 14 investment organisations, including 247VC, Enlighten Capital, Anicut Capital, Anthill Ventures, IndicornAngels, Indian Angel Network, MeritX Ventures, Pedal Start, Samved VC, Sanchi Connect, SteerX, Indian Accelerator, Hyderabad Angels and Fluid Ventures.
The interactions provided a platform to explore potential funding, strategic partnerships and opportunities for scaling their innovations.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Ashutosh Agnihotri, CEO, SIIC, IIT Kanpur, followed by an address from Mr. Pratyush Mehrotra, President & COO, SBI Foundation, reflecting the shared commitment of both institutions to nurturing innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
The SBIF LEAP: Innovators for Bharat programme highlights the role of strategic CSR partnerships and institutional incubation in strengthening India's innovation ecosystem.
By integrating financial support, mentorship and investor engagement, SBI Foundation and SIIC, IIT Kanpur are enabling promising startups to translate technological innovations into scalable businesses with meaningful societal impact.
UNI MBD RN
Tags: #SBI Foundation and IIT Kanpur drive grassroots innovation with ₹2.64 Crore support to 30 startups under SBIF LEAP
More News

Wildflower Hall hotel in Shimla to fetch Himachal government Rs 3 crore monthly revenue

30 Oct 2026 | 5:55 PM

Shimla, Oct 30 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh government is expected to earn approximately Rs 3 crore per month from the operation and management of the prestigious Wildflower Hall luxury hotel near Shimla, following the conclusion of a competitive e-auction that secured a record revenue-sharing bid of 47.1 per cent of its annual gross revenue.

see more..

BJP is unshakeable in UP, we will win third time & UCC will be implemented: Amit Shah

30 Oct 2026 | 5:48 PM

By Manoj Bhadra
Lucknow, Oct 30 (UNI) Claiming that the BJP has "Angad's foot" in Uttar Pradesh and no one can shake it, union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that if the party forms the government for the third time in 2027, it will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.

see more..

Absconder wanted in 2010 cheating, forgery case arrested in Bandipora

30 Oct 2026 | 5:36 PM

Srinagar, Oct 30 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday said that it arrested an absconder in Bandipora district who had been evading arrest for the past 16 years in connection with a cheating and forgery case.

see more..

Man, son fall to death from 23rd floor while plucking flowers in Greater Noida

30 Oct 2026 | 5:23 PM

Greater Noida, Oct 30 (UNI) A man and his 11-year-old son died after falling from the 23rd floor of a tower at Mahagun Mywoods Society in Greater Noida's Bisrakh police station area on Friday morning.

see more..

Ex President Ram Nath Kovind to inaugurate Narayan Seva free artificial limb fitting camp in Lucknow on Nov 1

30 Oct 2026 | 5:22 PM

Lucknow, Oct 30 (UNI) Narayan Seva Sansthan, Udaipur, is organising a free artificial limb fitting camp on November 1 in Lucknow. Former President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the camp at which 432 persons with disabilities will receive artificial limbs.

see more..